10 best long-distance moving companies in Warren, OH

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Alleviate your concerns by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. We've made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Warren so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies commonly set fees based on the length of time needed for your move. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Warren movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Warren

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your needs. Below, we have compiled some recommendations on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Warren.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Warren. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous customers say about particular long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include items such as updating your address with the Ohio DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a suitcase with items such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration